Client-side calculator
Vortex Flow Calculator
Estimate velocity, Reynolds number, pressure drop, and cavitation margin from water flow rate and vortex geometry.
Use this calculator to translate vortex-device language into ordinary flow estimates. It starts with flow rate and geometry, then estimates tangential velocity, Reynolds number, dynamic pressure drop, and a simple cavitation margin. Inputs stay in your browser.
Vortex flow inputs
Defaults describe a small countertop or bench-scale water vortex.
Axial velocity: 0.00 m/s
Flow regime: -
0.00 psi
-
What the calculator is doing
Flow rate divided by chamber area gives an average axial velocity. The swirl ratio estimates tangential velocity from that axial velocity. Reynolds number uses water density, viscosity, velocity, and diameter to classify whether the flow is likely laminar, transitional, or turbulent. Pressure drop uses the dynamic-pressure term from the estimated tangential velocity.
The cavitation warning compares estimated core pressure against approximate vapor pressure at the selected temperature. A negative or small positive margin means the setup deserves caution, not that a free-energy process has appeared.
Calculator FAQ
Is this a certified engineering calculator?
No. It is an educational estimator for first-pass vortex-flow reasoning. Use calibrated measurements and qualified engineering review for real pumps, pressure vessels, turbines, or cavitation-sensitive systems.
What does the pressure-drop estimate mean?
It uses dynamic pressure from the estimated tangential velocity. Real devices add losses, geometry effects, turbulence, air entrainment, and instrument uncertainty.
Does a bigger pressure drop mean free energy?
No. Pressure drop is energy spent or converted by the flow system. Pumps, gravity, head, or other inputs provide the energy.